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2002 Land Rover Discovery II Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II, most often about the engine (41% of complaints, typically around 83,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Discovery II model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2002 Land Rover Discovery II problems
Engine
14 complaints · 41%Half of these problems showed up before 83,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
Head gasket leak. Common problem with this SUV. Local lr repair said $1650 - $2500. Head gaskets on this engine can go out every 35k. Coolant leaks from the back of the cylinder head. Not detrimental, but can cause the constant smell of coolant. No puddles. My coolant level drops about a quart a month. Hardly worth…
While driving our Land Rover it started to overheat. I pulled of to the side of the road while smoke came from under the hood. I had it towed to a repair shop since it would not start after allowing it to cool. The repair shop indicated that the aluminum cams had melted and that they alone could not be repaired. They…
Transmission
9 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 74,500 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission.
Land Rover Discovery II front drive shafts will always fail catastrophically between 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Every Land Rover forum discusses this and the consensus is that Land Rover should have reported this to NHTSA as a safety issue. When they break the consequences include the shaft going into the passenger…
Began hearing a small squeaking noise from under vehicle at low to moderate speeds. Driveshaft ujoint was going out. It went out at 45k miles, and recently at 87k. Common problem with this SUV.
Brakes
7 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, driveline.
The brake pedal is very soft. The traction control and ABS lights flash on at-will. Took the vehicle into Land Rover anaheim hills who determined the ABS modulator is going out and will need to be replaced. Purchased the vehicle with approximately 74k miles. Mileage when taken to dealership was 78,490. Five days after…
Tl contact owns a 2002 Land Rover Discovery II. All the warning indicator lights on the dashboard illuminated. The dealer stated that the ABS module had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a NHTSA campaign id 04v005000 (service brakes), however; the manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included…
Steering
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist, rack and pinion.
I have owned my 2002 Land Rover discovery se for 2 years. About 8-9 months ago, I noticed that at certain speeds, my steering wheel will shake back and forth, or shimmy, sometimes somewhat violently. I have taken it to aristocrat motors, the only service center in my area for land rovers, and have described the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Land Rover Discovery II recalls
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: The fluid from the pump joint can ignite, resulting in an under hood fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for leakage. If no leakage is evident, the banjo bolt will be re-tightened. If leakage is evident, the banjo bolt and dowty washers will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during may 2004. Owners should contact land rover at 1-800-637-6837.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, the active cornering enhancement (ace) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint.
Brakes: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Risk: This can produce an unexpected increase in stopping distance, with the potential for total loss of service braking function, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will strengthen the ABS modulator assembly valve covers and replace the retaining bolts. Owner notification is exepcted to begin during may 2004. Owners should contact land rover at 1-800-637-6837.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems," and no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." the anti-lock braking system (ABS) modulator valve cover retaining bolts can crack due to stresses transmitted by the flexing valve covers.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: Breakage of the cable strands can result in the throttle being stuck in the open position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the damaged cables where necessary. Owner notification began march 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact land rover at 1-301-731-9040.
Full defect summary
On some sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable could have become kinked during vehicle assembly, resulting in chaffing of the cable. Continued chaffing can lead to breakage of the interior cable strands.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (14 complaints, typically around 83,500 miles); transmission (9 complaints, typically around 74,500 miles); brakes (7 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 6, 2004 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Land Rover Discovery II?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Discovery II model year since 2000, with 34 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.